SUNSERVE GALA SHINES

John Hayden

Aformal-yet-cool vibe engulfed The Venue March 24 as SunServe presented Studio: SHINE gala. Channeling the spirit of the iconic Studio 54, there was a lot of sparkle and glitter in tuxes and bowtie fashion was on point.

But beyond the glitter and glam, everyone was there to support a community organization that affects thousands of lives every year. The night began with a cocktail hour and a presentation of awards. David Jobin, CEO of the Our Fund Foundation received the Dr. James Lopresti Visionary Award. Karen Prescod, founder of Bowtie Kids, was given the Jason Jenkins Tomorrow’s Legacy Award and community activist Marc Martorana received the Outstanding Community Partner Award.

Once that was finished, over 300 people moved into the dining room, where the DJ played beats on point with the disco theme while aerialists spun high in the air suspended by just a colorful piece of cloth.

SunServe works with mental health, trans, youth services, senior services, addiction, housing insecurity, and more. Many groups had representatives at the gala to show support and gratitude.

“SunServe is a community service. I’ve had many community services through SunServe,” guest Tommy Murrell said. “My main purpose to be here is to meet other members of the community and show solidarity with the community. We’re under constant attack, so being with those that love you and support you and hear you and see you is really important right now.”

The LGBT community is under attack in the state legislature, especially youth and trans. After dinner, SunServe CEO Tony Lima made a special call for donations dedicated to youth services, and several people stood up on the spot and pledged several thousands of dollars each.

Floatarama President Scott Schramm was there and said supporting SunServe is a natural fit.

“SunServe has so many of the core values that Floatarama is trying to work with youth and mental health issues. We are thrilled to give back to their organization.”

Schramm says their partnership let SunServe hire an additional case worker.

“We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming success of our SunServe Studio SHINE Gala! The event was full of inspiring stories, amazing people, and a whole lot of fun and glamour,” John Marler, SunServe Director of Communications said.

Putting on an event of this scale, Marler says, took the entire SunServe team.

“My deepest gratitude goes to all the SunServe Team Members who attended the event and worked their dancing shoes off.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of Tony Lima, who became CEO about 18 months ago.

“[He] has a unique ability to capture the attention of our greater community and draw them closer to see the magic SunServe’s team delivers to the most vulnerable members of our society.”

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